One of the most beautiful places to explore the California coast and watch wildlife and sea life is in Sonoma County near The Sea Ranch. Six beaches provide access points to view seals, sea lions, starfish on rocks, and see the migrating whales visible from the coast. Among the tall grasses and wildflowers you'll usually see wild deer roaming and peeking at you as they graze on their favorite plants. They normally mind their own business as long as you don't get too close, but their big brown eyes are always watching you.

When you visit this wonderland there are several options for accommodations that include The Sea Ranch lodge and camping, and there are also some beautiful homes you can rent nearby in Gualala- but they don't come cheap.

While there are tons of seals & sea lions on the beach at Piedras Blancas in San Luis Obispo County, the large number of tourists can diminish the experience slightly so that the feeling of serenity is missing. Sonoma Coast provides that quiet, intimate relationship that allows you to appreciate and feel like you are a part of the setting as you stand quietly and listen to ocean waves and the sounds of animals communicating with each other.

If you don't know where Sonoma Coast is located, you'll find it approx. 2 hours and 20 minutes (by car) north of San Francisco. It is under 110 miles distance, but the country roads take their time, winding, twisting and turning along farms, fields and along the coast. It's a beautiful drive on sunny days, but there can be fog as well, which will slow you down.